Spoilers, Adult Language, Graphic Violence
I said I was going to analyze a criminal for my final post, but in reality - Hannibal Lecter analyzed the criminal, "Buffalo Bill," for me.
So, thanks for stealing my thunder.
So I am going to talk about him, things he said, his actions, etc.
But let's go to the beginning - Clarice visiting him in the asylum. She broke the most important rule within a couple minutes in his presence - do not approach the glass.
(Some say his character is based on this man)
Dr. Lecter's insights throughout this movie intrigue me. I know, I know, it's a script. He's reading a script - but there are probably people just like him roaming the Earth (Hopefully without the cannibalism part).
It's very obvious from the beginning Dr. Lecter is interested in the current case of "Buffalo Bill." He questions Clarice about when she is going to ask him about the case during their first meeting.
None of this seems rights. Give me a minute.
I watched the next movie in the series, Hannibal, and I got a new insight on Dr. Lecter. He is able to contain himself in public, unlike when he was in the asylum.
He said a lot of things throughout the film, but what fascinated me the most was his relationship with Clarice. While some argue he loves her, I don't believe he did.
She was the only one to treat him with an ounce of respect, ignoring the fact he was a cannibal in their conversations. She was not afraid to approach him and did what he wanted of her.
Clarice trusted that he would not hurt her and be stupid enough to betray her. So when she went to release him from his slow, painful, death, she just let him go. No restraints, no protection.
But no one can say that this makes it all okay. That he is "cured." Because while he did stitch her up, he also put her in a dress and heels while she was drugged. Why? Who knows. He's a psychopath.
Once Clarice had woken she called the cops, and tried to go stop Dr. Lecter. But being doped up on morphine, Dr. Lecter was able to stop her every time she tried.
At the final few moments, they share this moment.
Then, in an attempt to get out of the handcuffs Clarice has put him in, he threatens to cut her hand off.
But he doesn't. He cuts off his. And that is the end of Lecter. Love?
I think because Lecter has been harshly treated for so long and she is the only one to talk to him like a human and save his life - he feels he owes her. If you notice in the other movies, he eats and attacks those who are a threat to him or treat him poorly. Not to say he doesn't deserve it.
Then Lecter is on a plane to who knows where and it ends. Where does he go? Who knows.
I wish there was another movie...
I hope you enjoyed this final post. It took a while, but it was worth it.
-Alex